Relations between the FAI and Brian Kerr have been strained further after the former Ireland manager angrily rejected an offer to become a “media watchdog” for the association.

His upward mobility so far might tempt some people to reach for the ‘Troy Of The Rovers’ headlines but the real world of football can often find a way to spoil a comic book storyline.

The only doubt Stephen Kenny has about Troy Parrott’s readiness for U21 action relates to the player’s current injury problems.